Perth professionals continue to explore how unity and ethics informs practice

The Perth chapter of Ethical Business Building the Future (EBBF) has continued to grow over the past year as a vibrant space for dialogue and learning with sessions exploring how principles of ethics and unity can shape the future of professional environments. 

Two recent sessions formed part of the project’s ongoing Gender Dialogue series titled Walking in Each Other’s Shoes: Understanding Power and Privilege and Seeing Through the Stereotype: Challenging Gender Roles. Presented by Ms Gemma McDonald, these conversations invited participants to examine assumptions and foster empathy in professional and personal spaces. 

Another session titled Shared Decision Making: A Consultative Approach explored how consultation – a principle deeply rooted in Baha’i teachings – could transform decision-making processes into collaborative, inclusive experiences. 

Earlier in 2025, the project’s second major event at the Perth Baha’i Centre of Learning featured Clinical Psychologist Dr Christian Holyoak who shared research on psychological safety and team performance. Through interactive activities such as Social Cyberball and Think/Pair/Share Sociograms, participants experienced firsthand the impact of inclusion and reflected on practical steps to foster belonging in their workplaces. These discussions echoed Baha’i principles affirming the nobility of every individual and the spiritual imperative of unity. 

In August 2025, the chapter hosted a lunch event, giving participants an opportunity to network and reflect on aspects of work-life balance including how work could be an ‘expression of devotion’ and how to tend to the matters of ‘heart and soul’ while working for a living. Participants were from varied professional backgrounds and included a city councillor, local GP, chiropractor, filmmaker, and an event organiser.

EBBF is a grassroots initiative modelled after an international Bahai-inspired organisation. Exploring how to navigate and find coherence in all aspects of their lives including family, community and career, participants meet on a regular basis as they delve into how to apply the teachings of the Baha’i Faith to their workplaces and professions. 

Participant Neda Meshgin, who is also a practice principal and doctor in Canning Vale, Perth, said the team behind EBBF was excited to expand its collaborations with like-minded organisations and emerging professional groups. “We also have an active WhatsApp group that shares articles and podcasts on relevant topics and from time to time our admin group will pose questions for the group to consider and explore,” she said. 

“We have started our planning for the new year and look forward to growing this space and engaging with professional groups who are naturally also forming in our communities to explore issues around ethics and business.”